I would like to share with you the story of a relationship that has, for the last 50 years, given so much joy and happiness.  I could sum up my views on their 50 years together in one word: partnership.  Great partnerships are wonderful things, and evidence of this can be found in Barbara York and Lavonne Green, whose relationship has stood the test of time. 

I was in my garage the other day, and in my toolbox I found a set of instructions for an adhesive that comes in two separate tubes.  When I read the instructions, I couldn't help but notice how they could almost describe the partnership between Barbara and Lavonne  I thought that this would be a perfect intro to their story. 

Here are the instructions.

Important:  To form a strong bond that will last the test of time, please follow these instructions carefully.  

     1.  First, take the tube marked A.  (For our purpose, we will call this Lavonne.)

     2.  Mix with tube marked B.  (We will call this Barbara.)

     3.  Make sure both are well mixed until a fine consistency is achieved.

     4.  Firmly press both sides together.

     5.  For best results, form the bond in a warm atmosphere. (For Barb and Lavonne, that's Oklahoma.)

     6.  Bond should hold for up to 20 years.  (Or, in the case of Barbara and Lavonne, 50!).

By John "Jasz" Szlachetka, Feature Author

John Szlachetka, also known as Jasz to many of his friends, has been an activist, speaker, and writer for LGBT rights, for a number of years.  A former high school teacher, he has seen the discrimination and bullying  LGBT youth face everyday.   He himself has lived through discrimination and homophobia both from his family and society in general.  This has made him stronger and more determined to fight for the equality of his LGBT brothers and sisters.   Besides his activism, he also councels LGBT couples with problems that arise in their relationships.  He is also a pastor for the Universal Life Church.    When he is not marrying couples, he is saving them from crisis.   You can also find him in many different facebook groups, fighting along side his LGBT brothers and sisters. 

As a member of the 10,000 couples team, Jasz hopes to promote both the e-magazine, and to to bring more couples into our 10,000 couples family.  Now that Same-Sex-Marriage has become an important subject world wide, he wants bring together everyone in the LGBT community to fight for the rights of our community.